Honda VFR to feature world's first twin-clutch for bikes

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has developed the Dual Clutch Transmission, the world's firstfully automatic motorcycle dual-clutch transmission for large-displacement sport bikes.

The new transmission provides riders with a sporty riding experience, combined with easy operation and superior transmission efficiency, which delivers fuel economy equal to or better than a conventional manual transmission. The new VFR large-displacement sport bike equipped with the new transmission will be released in Europe and North America in 2010, with sales to commence in Japan at a later date.

This world's first motorcycle dual clutch transmission features a light, compact design that allows it to be combined with existing engines without substantial layout modification. Further, the new transmission delivers the precise acceleration control which riders require thanks to electronic control technology that helps ensure smooth, seamless gear changes. In order to respond to rider demands in a broad range of situations, the transmission is equipped with three operating modes, including two full-auto modes (D-mode for regular operation and S-mode for sporty riding); and a 6-speed manual mode, which delivers the same shift feel as a manual transmission. Honda intends to gradually expand the deployment of the new transmission to more and more of its large-displacement motorcycles, particularly sports models destined for use in traditional large motorcycle markets.

The new transmission features a dual clutch transmission configuration in which independent clutches are employed for the odd gears (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even gears (2nd, 4th, 6th), respectively. The two clutches operate alternately to effect gear changes. For example, when changing from 1st to 2nd gear, the computer detects the up-shift and engages 2nd gear, then releases the 1st-gear clutch while engaging the 2nd-gear clutch to achieve a seamless gear change. While some existing dual-clutch transmissions arebulky, the new system employs original technologies such as dual input shafts, an innovative in-line clutch design, and concentration of hydraulic circuitry beneath the engine cover to achieve a compact design. Compactness and lightness is further enhanced through the use of a simple shift mechanism design based on that of a conventional motorcycle shift drum. Optimised shift scheduling achieves fuel economy equal to or better than that of a fully manual transmission, enabling Dual Clutch Transmission to deliver both sporty riding and environmental performance combined.

Yamaha to launch FZ16 and Fazer special edition

Yamaha India has two new editions of the FZ16 and the Fazer ready with it. We are expecting a launch any time now. From what we hear, no changes have been made to the cycle parts - only the paint scheme has been altered. We haven't yet seen the pictures of the new bikes, but we're trying to get some snaps and will let you know as soon as we have the pictures. From what we have heard, the new paint scheme is a combination of blue, black and white. Stay tuned. We'll be back with more news on this very soon

Video: Rob Dyrdeks takes on Ken Block in Gymkhana 2.1!

Ken Block features in another kickbutt video with old friend and team mate, Rob Dyrdeks in Gymkhana version 2.1.

Watch Dyrdeks in the custom made shifter car, thats identical to Block's Subaru WRX STI , getting almost run over by the bigger monster!

Mitsubishi "Heart in Mouth" off-roading experience

HM-Mitsubishi will be organising an off-road driving rally christened "Heart in Mouth" on the 6th of September. The event is being organized by Sportscraft for Pajero owners in and around Mumbai. The Pajero owners along with their family members and friends will get to experience the off-road capabilities of their beloved SUV. A roughly 50kms course comprising of sandy plains, slush filled streches, dirt roads and water crossings has been chalked out for the participants.

According to Mr.Pritam Saikia, Head of Marketing, HM-Mitsubishi Motors, the heart in the mouth experience provides the customer the real capabilities of the Pajero's 4x4 prowess. He also said that it aims to prove to the customer that whatever terrain he or she may be in, with a Pajero it becomes a paved road.

HM-Mitsubishi has been organising such events lately (Chandigarh) to promote the off-roading capabilities of the Pajero to its owners. The manufacturer intends to continue hosting such events to promote the appeal of off-road driving as a form of adventure sports.

For participation contact Sportscraft at: sportscraft@gmail.com
Office telephone no: 022-23677631

'Yamaha Performance Kit' Prices Announced!

The Yamaha performance parts that have been creating so much buzz have finally been valued! The prices are as follows:

The ex- showroom price of Muffler Kit (For FZ16 and R15) is Rs. 16,000 /- .

This kit includes

a) Racing Exhaust System
b) Exhaust Pipe
c) Bracket Kit Exhaust

The ex- showroom price of Engine Kit (For R15) is Rs. 31,000 /- . This kit includes
a) ECU
b) Cam Shift
c) Muffler Kit

The ex-showroom price of Body kit (For FZ16 and R15) is Rs. 20,000/- . This kit includes

a) Brake Caliper Bracket
b) Brake Disc
c) Brake Hose Front
d) Brake Hose Rear
e) Front Brake Master Cylinder
f) Step Plate

Incomming: Harley Davidson in two days!

A couple of weeks back we showed you the new 2010 range of Harley Davidson motorcycles that will soon go on sale around the world. Some of the most important models will come too India too! Within the next two days Harley Davidson will be officially unveiling their dealership in India. Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating, Harley Davidson, will be doing the honours on the 27th of this month. There is no official confirmation with regards to the product line up or the number of dealerships or their location as of now. We are in touch with our sources at Harley Davidson and will update the details as and when they reach us. The American motorcycle marque's official teaser for its India launch is already live. Do have a look at www.harley-davidson.in and keep checking the Motoroids Blog for more info!

Toyota Fortuner 3.0 MT launched at 21.5 lakh Rupees.

The long awaited SUV from the Toyota arsenal has finally been launched in India. August. For starters, the Fortuner has been launched with a 3.0 diesel engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox only. Toyota has surprised the competition with a killer price tag. Compared to soft-roaders like the CR-V, Captiva and the Outlander, the Fortuner is a true-blue SUV with all-wheel drive and a low range gearbox as standard. It is practical too with a usable set of third row seats. Going by Indian publics affinity for big SUV's with equally huge C-R-D-I powerplants the Fortuner looks likely to be headed for a great success story in India as well.

Here's an overveiw of how the Fortuner compares to its rivals(all prices, On-Road, Mumbai).

Toyota Fortuner:

3.0 MT - 21.5 lakhs, 3.0 litre 4-cyl D4-D Diesel, 168 bhp, 343 Nm, 7-seater.

Ford Endeavour (Current):

2.5 XLT 4x2 MT - 17.85 lakhs, 2.5 litre 4-cyl TDCi Diesel, 143 bhp, 330 Nm, 7-seater.

3.0 Thunder+ 4x4 MT- 20.5 lakhs, 3.0 litre 4-cyl TDCi Diesel, 154 bhp, 380 Nm, 7-seater.

Ford Endeavour Facelift (Incumbent):

2.5 XLT 4x2 MT - 18.85 lakhs(estimated), 2.5 litre 4-cyl TDCi Diesel, 143 bhp, 330 Nm, 7-seater.
3.0 Thunder+ 4x4 AT- 21.5 lakhs(estimated), 3.0 litre 4-cyl TDCi Diesel, 154 bhp, 380 Nm, 7-seater.

Honda CRV:

2.0 2WD MT - 25.96 lakhs, 2.0 litre 4-cyl iVTEC Petrol, 142 bhp, 190 Nm, 5-seater.

2.4 AWD MT - 27.63 lakhs, 2.4 litre 4-cyl iVTEC Petrol, 160 bhp, 218 Nm, 5-seater.

2.4 AWD MT - 28.48 lakhs, 2.4 litre 4-cyl iVTEC Petrol, 160 bhp, 218 Nm, 5-seater.

Chevrolet Captiva:

2.0 LT MT - 23.86 lakhs, 2 litre 4-cyl VCDi Diesel, 148 bhp, 320 Nm, 7-seater.

2.0 LTZ AT - 25.66 lakhs, 2 litre 4-cyl VCDiDiesel, 148 bhp, 320 Nm, 7-seater.

Mitsubishi Outlander:

2.4 MIVEC - 23.16lakhs, 2.4 litre 4-cyl MIVEC Petrol, 170 bhp, 225 Nm, 5-seater.

Mitsubishi Pajero:

SFX - 23.65 lakhs, 2.8 litre 4-cyl TDCi Diesel, 118 bhp, 290 Nm, 7-seater.